Money Scam-Marks

Winona County authorities are asking for the public's help in finding a 42-year-old Altura man wanted in connection with an alleged scam involving an elderly woman.

Sheriff's Investigator Rob Averbeck said the woman reported that a man showed up at her door in rural Lewiston Tuesday seeking a one thousand dollar donation. The man, who authorities believe was Dale Marks, has had a past history of criminal activity, and allegedly told the woman the money was for a family who lost four of its members in a traffic crash.

He also told the woman her neighbors had been donating the same amount of money.

Eventually the victim turned a $400 check over to the man who then tried to cash it at a Lewiston business. Averbeck said the owner of the business, the Cardinal's Nest, refused to cash the check. The man had told the victim she would get $40 back.

Averbeck said the female victim was able to identify the alleged scammer as having the last name of Marks. She was also able to stop payment on the check.